The Vikings are likely going to sit the majority of their starters in Sunday’s Week 17 game against the Bears with the sixth seed already guaranteed for them.
That means that we’re probably looking at the second-career start for backup quarterback Sean Mannion.
Mannion’s last start came in 2017 in Week 17 against the 49ers. In the 34-13 loss, Mannion threw for 169 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He did fumble once.
He will have his hands full against a talented Bears defense that has certainly had the number of Kirk Cousins over the last two seasons.
This is an audition of sorts for Mannion, who only signed a one-year deal with the Vikings last offseason.
If Mannion has himself a solid game, he’ll do himself some favors in free agency this offseason. If not, he’ll likely find himself in the same position he was in last season where he’s in competition for a backup spot.